Understanding Teeth Spacing (Diastema Teeth): Causes, Concerns, And Treatment Options

Mismatched Jawbone and Teeth Size

When a person has teeth that are smaller relative to the size of their jawbone, spaces may appear between the teeth. Diastema can run in families since jawbone and tooth sizes are genetic.

Missing or Undersized Teeth

When some teeth are absent or are smaller, a diastema can develop. This is particularly common in the upper lateral incisors, the teeth located on either side of the upper front teeth. When the upper lateral incisors are absent or relatively small, a gap can occur between the two front teeth.

Oversized labial Frenum

The labial frenum is a fold of tissue that runs from the central inside of the upper lip to the gum line of the upper central incisors. If this tissue is oversized, it may create a gap between the teeth.

Gum Disease

As we have indicated earlier, teeth shifting is one of the evident signs of severe gum disease. In patients with gum disease, inflammation damages the alveolar bone that supports the teeth. Eventually, teeth may become loose and gaps may be visible.

Incorrect Swallowing Reflex

When the swallowing reflex occurs properly, the tongue presses against the roof of the mouth. Some people push their tongue against their front teeth each time they swallow. Gradually, this constant force exerted on the front teeth pushes them out of position, causing a gap to form.

Bad Habits And Tongue Placement

They include:

• Thumb sucking
• Tongue-thrusting – where the tongue protrudes and strikes the anterior teeth during swallowing instead of the hard palate
• Extended use of the pacifier in childhood
• Prolonged bottle-feeding in early childhood
• Lower or upper lip sucking

Low Self-Esteem

Diastema can cause people to feel lower self-esteem due to the larger gaps between the teeth that are visible when they talk or smile. They may face teasing or bullying, which could lead to mental health problems.

Speech Problems

Large diastemas can contribute to speech disorders such as stammering and affect facial aesthetics. While /F/ and /S/ may be problematic, some individuals may experience whistling when air travels through the teeth. They can be professionally and socially limited in adulthood, which causes social anxiety.

Poor Oral Hygiene

When diastema results from crowded teeth, a person with the condition might struggle to brush and floss effectively. This can lead to various health conditions, caused by the development of plaque and bacteria, such as gingivitis, bleeding gums, and periodontal disease.

Potential Bite Issues

The location and size of the diastema can have a small impact on the bite. The upper and lower teeth may not align correctly when the mouth is closed. While in minor cases, there may be no discomfort; a major misalignment can lead to issues with chewing and stress on the joint.

Braces

Dentists can treat diastemas with braces. Braces apply force to the teeth, gradually shifting their position to close the gap over time. It is often recommended to wear full braces when there is a single gap, as shifting any tooth can affect the position of the entire mouth.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are the best if you have a diastema problem and don’t want to affect your smile while having it done. Clear aligners function similarly to braces by applying pressure to the teeth that gradually shift them into their desired place. This is why they are also effective in treating diastema along with other malocclusions, such as overbite and crowded teeth.

Veneers or Bonding

Veneers or dental bonding can be alternatives to braces, especially if the diastema is caused by smaller teeth. Dental bonding involves applying a resin shell to the surface of the teeth and then hardening it using a light source.

Dental Implants or a Bridge

If the diastema is due to the absence of teeth, the person may need more significant intervention, such as implants or a dental bridge. A dental bridge is a prosthetic tooth that bonds to the teeth on each side of the gap to hold it in place. Dental implants are done by inserting metal into the jawbone and attaching the replacement teeth.

Frenectomy

This is a simple surgical procedure in which a part of the labial frenulum, which may be very bulky and pointing towards the gap, can be removed. This helps to achieve a small frenulum so that the teeth can be well aligned.

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